June 7, 2016

ACA Thanks U.S. Small Business Admin For Seeking FCC Set-Top Exemption For Small MVPDs

Set-Top Box Letter Stresses Disproportionate Economic Impacts On Small MVPDs

PITTSBURGH, June 7, 2016 American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement in response to an ex parte letter from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy to the Federal Communications Communication. The Office of Advocacy argues that the FCC’s set-top box proposal would be disproportionately burdensome to small MVPDs and recommends that the FCC exempt these small providers given it has the legal authority and factual basis to do so.

“ACA expresses gratitude to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy for pressing the FCC to exempt small cable operators from complying with the set-top box proposal. The Office of Advocacy represents an important voice for small business stakeholders who are worried about the disproportionate economic impacts on smaller operators, which would be ultimately harmful to consumers. The Advocacy arm of the SBA joins a growing chorus of U.S. senators and representatives, technology companies, and organizations representing small businesses, public interests, and free market principles – some of which support the proposal – that are concerned about the proposal’s unintended consequences on smaller operators.”

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America.  Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business.  For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/